How to Log in to Destiny


1. Directions for logging in to Destiny

Open Destiny to the Home page. In the upper right corner of the Destiny Home page is a log-in box. The Home Page is the page with the links and has a green Home Page tab. To log in, enter your full name (no nicknames) as your user name. For your password, enter your library card number using the letter “p” before the number. There should be no space between “p” and the number. Example: p909. Note: You need to log-in from the Destiny Home page or from the Destiny catalog page, not the Destiny “Welcome page.” Do not use the "District Users" log-in. This will not connect you to Destiny.

When you log in you will be connected to your patron account.

2. Your account

When you are logged in to Destiny, you can select the “My Info” tab to check the titles that you currently have checked out and their due dates, as well as your past borrowing history. You can also locate the book to be reviewed from your “My Info” page. You may also write reviews for any of the titles on your account.

Important: If you have logged in to Destiny at school, make sure you log out when you have finished in order to protect your personal information.

You do not need to be logged in to Destiny to use the catalog and to rate the books (stars) but you do need to be logged in to recommend, request and review books.

3. Recommending Books to Others

You can recommend a favorite book to your friend for them to read. After locating the book on the Destiny catalog, click on the book title to get to the book summary page. Click the "Recommend" button on the right side of the page. You will be taken to a page requesting your friend's name. Make sure you enter their full name, and not their nickname, and that you spell their name correctly and select "Go.". To add your comments to your recommendation, click on your friend's name at the bottom of the page. A new box will open with a box for you to enter your comments. You need to enter comments for your friend to receive your recommendation.

4. Wish List

Is there a book that you wish we had in the Library? You can send Mrs. Zajko your request for consideration. From any book summary page, click the "Wish List" button. Select "New Title." In the comment box write the name of the book you would like and why you think it should be part of the Library. Click "Save."


How to Write a Review
You may write a review for any books that you read, regardless of whether or not it is a DEAR assignment. Your review can be positive or negative. If writing a fiction review, remember to avoid plot “spoilers” in your review. All reviews will be held in moderation until they are approved for publication.

A book review is different than a book report. In a book report, you explain plot, characters, etc. without offering an opinion. In a book review, you are giving your opinion of the book (plot, characters, etc) and you are supporting your opinion with information from the book. A book review helps other students decide whether or not they would be interested in reading the book.

You do not need to be logged in to Destiny to rate the books by assigning stars and to use the catalog but you do need to be logged in to recommend, wish and write reviews. Remember: if you logged in to Destiny in school make sure you log out when you are finished in order to protect your personal information.

1. Non-Fiction

For DEAR, use your reading log to help you explain what the book is about. Summarize the main idea of the book. Discuss what you liked or didn’t like about the book. Your book review can include positives or negatives about the book, or both. You might want to discuss the author’s style of writing and how the information is presented.

Since the review will be attached to the title record, you do not need to include the title and author, although if you have read similar titles you can compare them to the book you are reviewing. The same goes for other books written by the author that you may have read.

Conclude with your reasons why someone should / should not read the book. Your review should be no less than 5 sentences.

2. Fiction Reviews

Fiction reviews are similar to non-fiction review. Summarize the plot (what happens) and theme of the book (author’s “message”) Be careful not give away the ending (spoiler). Discuss important characters and the author’s style. Your review can be positive or negative or include elements of both. Give examples from the book to support your opinion

Conclude with your recommendation of whether or not others will enjoy the book and why. What kind of readers will like the book? Your review should be no less than 5 sentences.

For DEAR Non-Fiction: DEAR_Selection_form

Write your review when you have finished reading your book. Turn in your log in Library class after you have written your review.

To see an example of a book review, search The Other Side of the Island and read the review.